Alumni Visit: Tony Award-winning Mitch Marois ’10

On Thursday, November 30, Shorecrest welcomed back alumnus Mitch Marois ’10, producer of the Tony Award-winning musical “Maybe Happy Ending”, which earned the 2024 Tony for Best Musical and has since garnered national acclaim. Despite living and working in New York City and producing shows across Chicago, Washington, D.C., Atlanta and other major cities, Marois made time to return to St. Petersburg and give back to the Shorecrest community. 

What was originally presented as a casual Q&A in the Shorecrest Black Box Theatre quickly evolved into an unforgettable, hands-on experience. With his approachable and down-to-earth style, Marois captivated Middle and Upper School students, guiding them through the process of producing a show - from the spark of an idea, to development, casting, marketing, and lastly, execution. Within an hour students gained a deeper understanding of the many moving parts behind producing a theatrical production. 

Following the interactive session, students engaged in candid conversation with Marois about his college journey, early career, and how to stay motivated in the demanding world of the arts. Students also felt comfortable asking lighthearted questions like, “What is Ariana Grande really like?” And couldn’t let him leave without a spirited, “6-7!” shout. 

One of the most memorable moments came when each student had the chance to hold Marois’ Tony Award, a tangible symbol of artistic achievement that sparked inspiration across the room. 

Marois’ visit was more than a homecoming – it was a powerful mentorship experience that left a lasting impression on Shorecrest’s aspiring performers and future producers. His generosity, insight and encouragement will continue to resonate with Chargers for years to come.